Are We There Yet?

It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road. Deuteronomy 1:2

Every parent can relate to that ride from home to somewhere that received the inevitable, “Are we there yet?” from the backseat. Maybe one time would have been acceptable, but for some reason, this question echoes for hours until arrival. Words that come to mind are patience, patience, patience. But, because it compares greatly with running your nails across a chalkboard, the likely response is something like this . . . “We’ll get there when we get there!”

I can’t imagine how much of this Moses had to endure! Forty years of wandering in the wilderness in pursuit of the Promised Land with millions of Israelites. It was a journey that could have only taken eleven days. Getting to the Promised Land took more than you or I would perhaps ever truly understand. But one thing is for certain, it required a focus, a direction, a compass that pointed and motivated them contrary to their circumstances. It took a level of faith unlike anything they had ever encountered. More importantly, it required of them a fix on God . . . and as their minds were no longer experiencing the faith of deliverance into the Promised Land they continued to wander.

Life can often find us circling this same mountain — especially in the midst of crisis, pain or hurt. Healing and deliverance is desired quickly and all attempts are taken to make it so. But God’s time is so different. He sees, answers and moves in ways so contrary to our understanding that we find ourselves buckled in the backseat asking over and over again . . . “Are we there yet?” And from the front we don’t hear . . . “We’ll get there when we get there!” Instead, we hear Daddy say, “No, we’re not quite there yet, but I can’t wait to show you what I have prepared for you!”

I just know in five minutes I’m gonna ask Him again!

Lord Jesus, I know I’m not there yet — but I can’t help but ask you over and over. In the midst of my life I know I need to keep fixed upon you with my eyes, heart and mind on you at all times. Maybe one day, I’ll stop asking if we’re there yet. 🙂 But for now, my faith is strengthened in knowing you are in control and that I’m resting in the knowledge of your sovereignty. You never cease to be there all the time!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2